Tank support for portable grill with cart

ABSTRACT

Fuel tank support systems for use with grill carts or stands.

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/200,399, filed on Mar. 7, 2014, which issued on Nov. 17, 2015 as U.S.Pat. No. 9,187,108 B2, and claims priority to such application, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions relate to folding or collapsible carts forgrills. More particularly, the present inventions relate to folding orcollapsible carts that securely support a grill and may be raised foruse or collapsed for transport. The present inventions also relate tofuel tank support systems to secure the tank to the cart and above theground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Grilling is extremely popular through the world. Increasingly,portability of grills is desired. For example, campers, boaters and thelike desire to have a grill available on their outings. In addition,those that live in more densely populated areas desire to have a grillfor their apartment or condominium, but do not have the space for atypical full sized grill. One example of a popular portable grill isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,976,485 (assigned to Weber-Stephen ProductsLLC). Similar portable grills are sold by Weber under the trade names Q®100 and Q® 200.

While portable grills are desirable, it is also desired to easilytransport and conveniently use portable grills in variety of differentlocations. Some users may simply transport the grill itself and mayplace the grill on a table top or the ground for use. Others may placethe grill on a stand so that the grill may be conveniently used.However, moving the grill and a separate stand can be unwieldy,difficult and inconvenient. Thus, there is a need for a cart that can beused to securely support the grill during use and which may also be usedto easily transport the grill to different locations for use. It is alsobecome desirable to securely and safely transport portable grills fromplace to place, again, while also providing a support surface forconvenient use of the grill.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide afolding grill cart that folds for easy transport, can be pulled as atrolley similar to wheeled luggage and can be unfolded into an uprightposition for use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a folding grillcart that supports the grill for use when in an unfolded and uprightposition.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a foldinggrill cart that securely locks the grill to the cart for use and duringtransport.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a folding grillcart that locks into an unfolded position for use and is easilycollapsed for transport.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a foldinggrill cart that includes a table top assembly, the table top assemblyincluding toe clips into which the legs of a grill may slide intoengagement.

Yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide a springloaded lock button used in conjunction with the toe clips on the tabletop assembly to further secure the grill.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a foldingcart having a support frame assembly, the support frame assemblyincluding leg lock members to secure the cart in an upright position.

Yet still a further object of the present invention is to provide afolding cart having a support frame assembly, the support frame assemblyincluding leg lock members, at least one of which has a locking tab tosecure the folding cart in an upright and locked position and to preventundesired folding or collapse of the folding cart.

Still an additional object of the present invention is to provide afolding grill cart that accommodates a tank support assembly.

Still yet an additional object of the present invention is to provide afoldable tank support assembly to keep the fuel tank off of the ground.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a foldinggrill cart that can accommodate a variety of portable grill sizes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions preserve the advantages of known carts and fueltank storage devices that may be used with portable or other grills, andalso provide new features and advantages.

More particularly, the present inventions provide a folding cart for agrill the grill having a lid with a handle and two pairs of legs, namelya right and left front leg and a right and left rear leg, and a footportion associated with each leg. The folding cart includes a table topassembly for supporting and securing the grill, the table top assemblyincluding two leg lock slots and two pairs of toe clips, namely a frontright and left toe clip and a rear right and left toe clip, each toeclip capable of engaging corresponding leg and associated foot portionof the grill. A support frame assembly having a first pair ofcollapsible legs and a second pair of collapsible legs, each leg havingan upper and lower end, with the first and second pairs of legspivotably connected between the upper and lower ends of the legs is alsoprovided. In addition, the upper ends of the first pair of legs arepivotably mounted to a left side of the table top assembly and the lowerends of the first pair of legs terminate in a support end, and whereinthe lower ends of the second pair of legs terminate in a support end andthe upper ends of the second pair of legs include leg lock members forengagement with the leg lock slots of the table top assembly. Thefolding cart assembly also includes a handle assembly attached to thelower end of the first pair of legs.

The table top assembly of the present inventions may also include a toelock mechanism to further secure the grill on the tabletop assemblyand/or a manually operable locking tab on at least one leg lock memberto further lock the legs to the table top assembly in the uprightposition. If desired, the handle assembly is collapsible and the toelock mechanism spring loaded. A tank support system may also beprovided, as well as a strap to secure the grill lid in a closedposition. The folding cart assembly may include optional, additionalpairs of toe clips and/or toe lock mechanisms. A base for the lower endof the first pair of legs and wheels for the lower ends of the secondpair or legs is also an option with the present inventions.

The present inventions further provide a folding cart for transportingand using a portable grill having two front and two rear legs, each leghaving a foot portion. Included is a table top assembly for supportingand securing the grill, the table top assembly having two leg lock slotsand four toe clips, each toe clip spaced and sized to accommodate the ofthe grill and at least one toe lock mechanism; a support frame assemblyhaving a first pair and a second pair of legs, each leg of each pairhaving an upper portion and a lower portion, the first and second pairsof legs pivotably connected to each other forming a scissor frame, theupper end of the first pair of legs are pivotally mounted to the tabletop assembly and the lower end of the first pair of legs includes a baseand the lower end of the second pair of legs includes wheels and theupper end of the second pair of legs includes leg lock members forengagement in the leg lock slots the table assembly; and a collapsiblehandle assembly. One leg lock member is also provided with a locking tabthat may be manually released. A plurality of toe lock mechanisms may beprovided, as well as a base including foot portions and an intermediateraised portion. The toe lock mechanism of the present invention mayinclude a spring loaded button housed within a recess on the table topassembly. The handle assembly may include a pivot portion and a gripportion. Stops may also be provided on the lower portion of the firstpair of legs to keep the handle assembly in the desired position. Anoptional tank support system having a frame member and a platform membermay be included.

The present inventions also provide a tank support system for securing afuel tank to a grill cart and above the ground or other support surface,and the tank support system having a u-shaped frame member including atank retention member and two hook portions to suspend said member froma support assembly of a grill cart. The tank support system alsoincludes a platform support portion, one end being adapted to rest on anaxle of said cart and the other end adapted to pivotably attach to abottom portion of said u-shaped frame member. A skid plate may also beprovided.

The present inventions further provide a table top assembly forsupporting and securing a grill, the table top assembly including agenerally flat surface; an opposing pair of front toe clips, namely afront right and left toe clip; an opposing pair of rear toe clips,namely a rear right and left toe clip; wherein each of the toe clips isadapted to engage a corresponding leg of the grill; and at least one toelock mechanism. In addition, each of the toe clips has an opening facinga front or rear of the table so that the legs of the grill may be slidinto engagement with the toe clips. The toe lock mechanism may alsoinclude a spring loaded button.

INVENTOR'S DEFINITIONS OF THE TERMS

The terms used in the claims of this patent are intended to have theirbroadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Wherealternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. Allwords used in the claims are intended to be used in the normal,customary usage of grammar and the English language.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The stated and unstated objects, features and advantages of the presentinventions (sometimes used in the singular, but not excluding theplural) will become apparent from the following descriptions anddrawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements in thevarious views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a folding cartassembly of the present invention in an unfolded and locked position foruse shown supporting a representative portable grill;

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a preferred support frame base ofthe present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the folding cart of FIG. 1 showingplacement of the portable grill onto a preferred embodiment of apreferred table top assembly;

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a preferred toe lock mechanism ofthe present invention, also showing an optional additional aperture foran optional additional toe lock mechanism taken along line 1C-1C of FIG.1B;

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of the optional additional aperturefor an optional additional toe lock mechanism taken along line 1D-1D ofFIG. 1B;

FIG. 2 is a to plan view of a preferred table top assembly of thepresent invention shown with representative grill legs in aninstallation position prior to being slid into engagement with preferredtoe clips of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a preferred right rear toe clip anda preferred toe lock mechanism shown in an installation position withthe right rear foot of the right grill leg depressing a lock button ofthe toe lock mechanism of the present invention taken along line 2A-2Aof FIG. 2;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a preferred left front toe clip ofthe present invention taken along in 2B-2B of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the preferred toe clip of FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred table top assembly of FIG. 2shown with representative grill legs in an installed or locked positionwithin the corresponding toe clips engaged or locked for transport oruse;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the preferred right rear toe clipof FIG. 3 shown with the lock button in a locked position, the foot ofthe right rear grill leg having cleared the lock button such that thegrill is in a locked or use position taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of is preferred embodiment of a foldingcart of the present invention shown in an intermediate position betweenthe upright and locked position for use and the collapsed or transportposition;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of a leglock member having a locking tab shown in an installed position in apreferred leg lock slot of the table top assembly taken along line 4A-4Aof FIG. 4;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the preferred leg lock member having alocking tab taken from insert 4B of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a preferred leg lock member not havinga locking tab taken from insert 4C of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a folding cartassembly of the present invention shown with a representative grillsecured to the table top assembly in a collapsed and transport position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tank supportsystem of the present invention with portions of the folding cartassembly removed and/or shown in phantom line; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred tank supportsystem of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Set forth below is a description of what is currently believed to be thepreferred embodiments or best representative examples of the inventionsclaimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to theembodiments and preferred embodiments are contemplated. Any alternativesor modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, purpose,structure or result are intended to be covered by the claims of thispatent.

The folding cart of the present inventions is shown generally as 10 inthe Figures. It is intended for use with portable grills 12, such as theQ® 100 and Q® 200 products of Weber-Stephen Products LLC. It will beunderstood by those of skill in the art that the present inventions areapplicable to grills of other manufacturers and other grill types,including gas and charcoal. It will also be understood by those of skillin the art that the various features and components are sized, spacedand oriented to accommodate the particular type of grill(s) for whichthe present inventions are contemplated. It will also be understood thatthe components of the present invention may be made out of a variety ofmaterials, such as aluminum, stainless steel and/or plastic, consistentwith the function and environment of the components.

The assemblies of a preferred folding cart 10 include a support frameassembly 20, a table top assembly 40 and a handle assembly 60.Alternative embodiments may also include a tank support system 80 (FIGS.6 and 7), which may be used with other stands or carts or in combinationwith folding cart 10 of the present inventions. For convenience, thepresent inventions will be described by reference to their use with aportable Weber® grill, such as the Q® 100 or Q® 200 products. As shown,for example, in FIGS. 1 and 1B, a typical portable grill 12 includes apair of right legs 14 and a pair of left legs 16. As used herein forease of reference and to describe the relationship of the variouscomponents, right and left are referenced in relation to the front orcooking side of the grill 12, but the present inventions are clearly notlimited thereto. Similarly, front and rear are referenced herein inrelation to the from and rear of grill 12. The pairs of right legs 14and left legs 16 of grill 12 terminate in generally flat right feet 11and generally flat left feet 13. Legs 14, 16 and feet 11, 13 areslidably received in and secured to table top assembly 40 by toe clips51-54 and toe lock mechanism 41 as hereinafter described. Grill 12 alsotypically includes a lid 15, a lid handle 17, a left side handle 19 anda right side handle 18.

By reference to FIGS. 1, 1B, 4-4C and 5, a preferred embodiment of thescissor-type support frame assembly 20 may be seen. A first pair ofcollapsible legs 22 and a second pair of collapsible legs 24 areprovided. The two pairs of legs 22, 24 are pivotably attached to oneanother approximately halfway down their respective length at point 25,forming a scissor-type frame similar to that of conventional ironingboards. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art thatto variety of means 25 to interconnect and pivot leg pairs 22 and 24 maybe used. For example, tubular rivets and a pre-formed plastic cover arepreferred for pivot point 25 as shown generally in FIGS. 1 and 1A. Inaddition, although preferred, the pairs of legs don't have to beconnected approximately halfway down their length. Moreover, it iswithin the scope of the present invention to have legs that are notpivotably connected to each other but instead, extend downward fromtheir point of attachment to table top assembly 40.

The tops 26 of legs 22 may be pivotably connected to the underside oftable top assembly 40 by pins (not shown) or other means known to thoseof skill in the art. For example, various pivot support members (notshown) may be pre-formed on the underside of table top assembly 40. Inthe preferred embodiment, the tops 26 of legs 22 are pivotably attachedto the left side of table top assembly 40. As indicated, it will beunderstood by those of skill in the art that attachment on the left sideis merely exemplary. The bottom or lower ends 27 of legs 22 extenddownward to the right so that they may be supported on the ground.

In a preferred embodiment, a base 30 is attached to the bottom ends 27of legs 22 (see also FIG. 1A). Base 30 includes a tread portion 31, feetportions 32 and a raised portion 33. In general, base 30 provides extrastability and helps prevent undesired movement of folding cart 10 whenit is in its upright and locked position for use. Feet portions 32 ofbase 30, in conjunction with raised portion 33, help to accommodateslightly uneven surfaces, such as porch decking. Tread portion 31 may beused as a foot stand to more easily raise and lower the folding cart 10as hereinafter described (see FIG. 4). It will be understood by those ofskill in the art that the base 30 is optional. For example, the bottom27 of legs 22 may be provided with pads or caps (not shown).

Each leg of the second pair of legs 24 includes a lower end 28 thatextend upward to the right side of table top assembly 40 to an upper end29. In a preferred embodiment, lower ends 28 are provided with wheels 21which are connected to an axle 23 that extends between the lower ends 28of legs 24. Axle 23 may pass through holes (not shown) on lower end 28such that wheels 21 may be rotatably attached to axle 23. It will beunderstood by those of skill in the art that wheels 21 may be attachedto the axle 23 by a variety of well known means. Bearings and the like(not shown) may also be provided to aid in rotation of wheels 21 or axle23. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that no axle 23for wheels 21 is necessary. For example, wheels 21 may be casters orhave their own integral axles, etc. It will also be understood that nowheels 21 are necessary for the present inventions, although they arepreferred so that the folding cart 10 and grill 12 are easilytransported as hereinafter described.

Leg lock members 35 are provided on the upper ends 29 of legs 24. Leglock members 35 are received in leg lock slots 46 of table top assembly40 (see FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B and 4C). When leg lock members 35 are receivedwithin leg lock slots 46, the support frame assembly 20 and theassociated grill 12 on table top assembly 40 are in the upright positionfor use. The weight of grill 12 pushing down on legs 22 and 24 helpsretain leg lock members 35 in the leg lock slots 46. Leg lock members 35are sized to fit within leg lock slots 46 and are attached to the tops29 of legs 24 by a pin 34 or other well known means. Leg lock members 35include a nose portion 36 that mates with and is received in leg lockslots 46. FIG. 4C shows the preferred embodiment of leg lock mechanism35 without the optional locking tab 37 as discussed below.

In as preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, at leastone leg lock member 35 includes a manually operable locking tab 37. Thelocking tab 37 prevents the folding can 20 and grill 12 from unintendedcollapse when in the upright position for use. To collapse or fold cart20 for transport, the leg lock members 35 cannot be moved out of leglock slots 46 without manual release of the locking tab 37 present on atleast one leg lock member 35. In the preferred embodiment, leg lockmember 35 has a top portion 38 and a bottom portion 39 (FIGS. 4A and4B). Locking tab 37 is attached to top portion 38. Because there is aspace between the top 38 and bottom 39 portions, they may be squeezedtogether or top 38 pressed downward toward bottom portion 39 as shown inFIG. 4A to release looking tab 37 from a shoulder portion 49 of tabletop assembly 40. Thus, when folding cart 10 is in an upright and lockedposition (FIG. 1), leg lock members 35 are within leg lock slots 46.Locking tab 37 is biased upward and engages a shoulder portion 49 of leglock slot 46. This keeps folding cart 10 in an upright position even ifthe assembly is bumped or moved. To unlock the leg lock member havinglocking tab 37, and collapse the folding cart 10, the user may press thetop 38 of top portion 39 downward (FIG. 4A). This lowers locking tab 37,which is then able to clear the shoulder portion 49 of leg lock slots 46so that the lock members 35 may be disengaged from leg lock slots 46 andthe folding cart 10 collapsed or lowered for transport.

It will be understood by those of skill in the art that locking tab 37may take a variety of shapes and/or engage a variety of shoulderportions 49 of leg lock slots 46. Similarly, leg lock slots 46 may alsobe of shapes different than that shown, as long as they mate with or ancomplimentary to leg lock members 35. In addition, it is not necessaryto have locking tabs 37 on either leg lock member 35, although at leastone leg lock member 35 with a locking tab 37 is preferred. Similarly,both leg lock members 35 may be provided with a locking tab 37 orsimilar locking structure.

Other components and features of preferred table top assembly 40 maybetter be seen by reference to FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3 and 3A. Table topassembly 40 includes a generally flat support surface 42 to accommodatelegs 14 and 16 of grill 12. It will be understood by those of skill inthe art that table top assembly 40 and support surface 42 can take avariety of shapes, including rectangular and square. The preferredquatrefoil, curvilinear or rounded rectangle shape as shown, forexample, in FIGS. 2 and 3, accommodates all of the components of thepresent inventions and conserves material costs and reduces weight. Itwill also be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that avariety of materials may be used to make table top assembly 40. Plasticis generally preferred, as selected components, some of which arediscussed herein, may be integrally formed on or as part of the tabletop assembly 40, as will be understood by those of skill in the art.

Support surface 42 is provided with two opposing pairs of toe clips 51,52, 53 and 54 that are used to engage and secure the legs 14 and 16 ofgrill 12. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, there is a frontopposing pair of toe clips 51 and 52 and a rear opposing pair of toeclips 53 and 54 (FIGS. 2 and 3). Each toe clip 51, 52, 53 and 54 is of asimilar construction and includes a top member 51 a, 52 a, 53 a and 54 aand to side member 51 b, 52 b, 53 b and 54 b (see FIGS. 2B and 2Cshowing left front toe clip 51). The top and side members of each toeclip 51-54 create a recess or pocket that accepts the bottom of legs 14and 16 and their associated feet 11 and 13 of grill 12. All of therecesses open in the same direction so that feet 11 and 13 may be slidinto engagement with the toe clips 51, 52, 53 and 54. In order to makeit easier to slide feet 11 and 13 of grill 12 along support surface 42,a glide track 50 is provided adjacent to each of the toe clips 51-54. Ina preferred embodiment, glide tracks 50 are formed onto support surface42. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that glide tracks50 may be separate components made from a variety of suitable materials.Alternatively, glide tracks 50 may be a suitable coating oranti-friction material applied to support surface 42.

Thus, the toe clips function to restrain the legs 14 and 16 and hencegrill 12 from moving left or right, up and down or forward. Legs 14 and16 are preferably restrained against undesired rearward movement by toelock mechanism 41 as hereinafter described. It will be understood bythose of skill in the art that toe clips 51, 52, 53 and 54 arepreferably shaped to closely mimic the geometry of legs 14 and 16 (andfeet 11 and 13) of grill 12. It will be understood by those of skill inthe art that toe clips 51-54 may have different configurations. Forexample, toe clips 51-54 could be a hood-type structure having no sidewalls (51 b-54 b) and just a top member (51 a-54 a). Such aconfiguration would prevent vertical movement of grill 12. In addition,in the preferred embodiment, toe clips 51-54 are integrally formed aspart of support surface 42. However, toe clips 51-54 may be constructedas separate components which are attached to the support surface 42and/or made out of a variety of materials.

In a preferred embodiment, an additional set of opposing pairs of toeclips 55, 56, 57 and 58 are also optionally provided to table topassembly 40 (FIGS. 1B, 2 and 3). These additional toe clips are spacedon support surface 42 to accommodate a different size grill 12 havinglegs 14 and 16 that are spaced differently. In this manner, one tabletop assembly 40 may accommodate grills 12 of different sizes and/or legconfigurations. A guide track 50 may also be provided with anyadditional toe clips 55-58.

Toe clips 51-54 (and support surface 42) prevent vertical movement ofgrill 12. In the preferred embodiment, side members 51 a-54 a of toeclip 51-54 prevent forward horizontal movement of grill 12. In order tomore securely lock grill 12 to table 42 and prevent undesired horizontalmovement of the grill toward the rear of table 42, one or more toe lockmechanisms 41 are provided (see FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D; 2 and 2A; 3 and3A). Preferably, spring loaded toe lock mechanism 41 includes a lockbutton 43, a spring 44 and two depressible flanges 45 that are part ofor provided on the lock button 43 (see FIGS. 1, 1C, 1D, 2A and 3A). Lockbutton 43 and spring 44 are housed within a recess 47 provided for eachtoe lock mechanism 41 that is incorporated on table top assembly 40.Preferably, there is a toe lock mechanism 41 associated with rear righttoe clip 54 and one associated with rear left toe clip 53. Each recess47 is provided with a u-shaped member 48 (see FIGS. 1C and 1D) whichserves as a base for spring 44 of lock button 41. The bottom of spring44 is supported on the bottom by u-shaped member 48 and is engaged atthe top by lock button 43. Lock button 43 is held within recess 47 byflanges of lock button 43. Look button 43 is normally biased upward bythe spring 44 as shown in FIG. 1C (see also FIG. 3A).

When it is desired to lock grill 12 to table 42 and prevent rearward ofgrill 12, the grill 12 is placed on the table 42 to the rear of therearwardly facing recess openings of toe clips 51, 52, 53 and 54. Foot13 of left rear grill leg 16 and foot 11 of right rear grill leg 14depress lock button 43 when the feet 11 and 13 are placed on top ofthem. The depression of lock button 43 associated with toe clip 54 byfoot 11 of right leg 14 is shown in FIG. 2A. Left rear foot 13 of leftrear leg 16 similarly depresses the other lock button 43 associated withtoe clip 53. In this manner, grill 12 may be slid forward so that feet11 and 13 of legs 14 and 16 fit within the recesses of toe clips 51, 52,53 and 54. Once feet 11 and 13 of legs 14 and 16 clear spring loadedlock button 43 (see FIG. 3A), spring 44 urges button 43 upward into alocked position. This completely locks the grill 12 to table 42 andprevents rearward movement. When it is desired to remove grill 12,buttons 43 are depressed and feet 11 and 13 slide rearwardly over thebuttons 43 thereby releasing the grill.

As indicated, each recess 47 includes a u-shaped retaining member 48extending below table 42 (FIGS. 1C and 1D). Because the retaining memberis u-shaped having two open sides, depressible tabs 45 of lock button 43are accessible by the user below table 42. Thus, to remove lock button43 from recess 47, tabs 45 are squeezed together by the user so thatbutton 43 (and spring 44) may be removed from recess 47. As indicated,in the preferred embodiment, there is one toe lock mechanism 41associated with the rearwardly facing recess of one pair of opposing toeclips, i.e., toe clips 53 and 54 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In thismanner, legs 14 and 16 of grill 12 are locked from rearward horizontalmovement and the side members 51 b-54 b prevent forward horizontalmovement. If additional toe clips 55, 56, 57 and 58 are provided,additional apertures 47 ¹ associated with those optional clips may alsobe provided (see FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D and 3). Button 43 and spring 44 may beremoved front aperture 47 by the user as described and reinserted intoadditional aperture 47 ¹. Thus, only one set of lock buttons 43 andsprings 44 is needed even if additional sets of toe clips 55-58 areprovided.

To aid in transportation of folding cart 10 (and typically grill 12), afolding handle assembly 60 is provided (FIGS. 1, 1B, 4 and 5). In apreferred embodiment, folding handle assembly 60 is made from twopieces; namely, a grip portion 61 and a pivot portion 62. Pivot portion62 includes two legs 63 that terminate at the lower end to form pivotarms 64, which extend at a right angle to legs 63. Pivot arms 64 arepivotably attached to the lower end 27 of legs 22. As shown in FIGS. 1and 1B, pivot arms 64 are inserted through a hole in the lower end 27 oflegs 22. In addition to being simple, in this manner, the whole handleassembly 60 may be removed for cleaning by simply removing pivot arms 64from the holes in legs 22. It be understood by those of skill in the artthat there are a variety of ways to pivotably attach legs 63 of pivotportion 62 to legs 22. Again, by reference to the preferred embodiment,the upper end of pivot portion 62 is formed into a u-shaped portion 65including two loops 66. As shown, the u-shaped portion 65 only permitshandle portion 61 to pivot one way upward and prevents it from swingingbelow pivot portion 62.

Preferred grip portion 61 includes a hand grip 67 and two legs 68. Legs68 terminate in two pivot points 69. Pivot points 69 are designed to fitwithin loops 66 of pivot portion 62. Bearings 59 may be provided inloops 66 to aid the pivoting of grip portion 61 in pivot portion 62. Apair of mechanical stops 70 having clips 71 are attached to legs 22.Stops 70 and clips 71 function to keep pivot portion 62 aligned withlegs 22 and from pivoting downward and falling behind legs 22. Asindicated, u-shaped portion 65 also functions to keep handle portion 61from swinging too far downward. In this manner, the handle assembly 60is easily accessible and does not interfere with the folding orunfolding of cart assembly 10. Although the above described handleassembly 60 is preferred, other configurations of handle assembly 60 maybe utilized. For example, the handle assembly 60 shown and described isformed from wire. It will be understood that other materials and methodsof construction are contemplated. In addition, it is not required tohave a two piece handle assembly 60 or to have one that pivots.

Having described the principal components of a preferred embodiment, theuse and operation of folding cart 10 will be described. Initially,folding cart 10 is placed in an open or use position by inserting leglock members 35 into leg lock slots 46 of table top assembly 40 (FIG.1B). In the preferred embodiment, locking tab 37 on the one leg lockmember 35 engages a shoulder portion 49 of table top assembly 40adjacent to leg lock slots 46, so that the leg assembly 20 is then in anupright and locked position.

Grill 12 is then placed on support surface 42 at a position rearward ofthe rearwardly facing recesses of toe clips 51, 52, 53 and 54 and withright rear foot 11 and left rear foot 13 of grill 12 depressing lockbutton 43 (FIGS. 2 and 2A). The feet 11 and 13 depress lock button 43into recess 47 so that the user may slide grill 12 forward toward thefront of table 42 until feet 11 and 13 are engaged in toe clips 51, 52,53 and 54. Once feet 11 and 13 are slid past and over lock buttons 43,the spring loaded lock buttons 43 are urged upward (see FIGS. 3 and 3A).Lock buttons 43 prevent grill 12 from being moved rearward on table 42.Folding cart 10 and grill 12 are now in an upright and locked useposition as shown in FIG. 1.

When transport of the grill 12 using folding cart 10 is desired, grill12 and table top assembly 40 are lowered as shown in FIG. 4. In thepreferred embodiment, this is accomplished by depressing lock tab 37 ofleg lock member 35 so that legs 24 may be released from leg lock slots46. As shown in FIG. 4, the user may place a foot on tread portion 31 ofbase 30 and grab grill unit handle 18, lowering folding cart 10 to acollapsed or folded position (see FIG. 5).

To transport folding cart 10 and grill 12, the user grasps grip portion67 of handle assembly 60. This causes grip portion 61 to rotate upward.As a result, pivot portion 62 disengages from clips 71 of stop 70 androtates forward to a comfortable transport position as shown in FIG. 5.The user may then lift the front end of folding cart 10 so that the unitpivots on wheels 21 and may be easily transported.

When it is desired to again use the grill, the user may place a foot ontread portion 31 of base 30 and may simultaneously pull unit handle 18of grill 12. This causes upper end 29 of legs 24 (as well as upper end26 of legs 22) to rotate upward. Once table top assembly 40 clears theupper end 29 of legs 24, the table may be slightly lowered so that leglock members 35 are engaged in leg lock slots 46. Locking tab 37 thensnaps into place and the folding cart is in an upright and lockedposition for use of grill 12 (FIG. 1).

In some situations, it may be desirable or even required by certain lawsto support a fuel source 99 with the grill stand or table and above theground. To accommodate this a tank support system 80 may be provided andmay be used in conjunction with folding cart assembly 10 of the presentinvention. Tank support system 80 may also be used with other tables,stands or carts for grills. A preferred embodiment of tank supportsystem 80 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Tank support system 80 includes au-shaped frame member 81 and an interconnecting tank retention member82. The lower end of u-shaped frame member 81 includes a platformsupport portion 83. Each upper end of u-shaped member 81 includes anoutwardly facing hook portion 84 that is sized to fit over pivot point25 of support frame assembly 20 if used with some of the embodiments ofthe present inventions. A tank strap 85 is also provided. Tank strap 85includes a loop 86 at each end. Loops 86 are placed over and secured tou-shaped member 81. A buckle 87 or other well known means to open andclose tank strap 85 is also provided.

Tank support assembly 80 also includes a base frame 88 having threesupport members 89. Two cross members 90 provide additional strength andstability. One end of each support member 89 is provided with or formedinto an open and downwardly facing hook 91 and the other ends providedwith means to attach members 89 to the lower portion 83 of u-shapedmember 81. As shown, clamped hooks 92 are provided as the means thatenable the ends of support members 89 to be secured in a generallynon-removable yet pivotable fashion. For ease of assembly, shipment andstorage, clamped hooks 92 may pivot about lower portion 83 of u-shapedmember 81. A skid plate 93 is also provided which fits over supportmembers 89 with holes 94. It will be understood by those of skill in theart that skid plate 93 is optional, may simply lay over support members89 or be attached thereto by other means. It will also be understood bythose of skill in the art that u-shaped frame member 81 and/or baseframe member 88 may take a variety of forms consistent with the presentinventions.

To use the preferred tank support system 80 with a preferred embodiment,hook portions 84 are placed over pivot point 25. Downwardly facing hooks91 are then placed over axle 23. The other ends of members 89 aresupported by the lower portion 83 of u-shaped member 81. In this manner,base frame 88 and its associated platform 93 form the support for tank99. To secure tank 99 in tank support assembly 80, strap 85 is unbuckled87, the tank placed on skid plate 93, strap 85 is then placed aroundtank 99 and rebuckled. Tank 99 is then secured to support frame assembly20 and held above the ground, deck or other surface. In addition,because the preferred embodiment uses open hooks 91 that are supportedby axle 23, clamped hooks 92 that are secured to the lower platformsupport member 83 and book portion 84, the tank support system 80 may becollapsed, folded or removed for transport or shipping and may also beused on other stands or carts.

The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the wordsused in or the scope of the following claims that define the invention.Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure,function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and thatall such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to becovered by the claims. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the presentinventions have been illustrated and described, it will be understoodthat changes and modifications can be made without departing from theclaimed invention. In addition, although the term “claimed invention” or“present invention” is sometimes used herein in the singular, it will beunderstood that there are a plurality of inventions as described andclaimed.

Various features of the present inventions are set forth in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tank support system for securing a fuel tank toa grill cart and above the ground or other support surface, comprising:a u-shaped frame member having a platform support portion and two hookportions to suspend said frame member from a support assembly of saidgrill cart; a tank retention member attached to the u-shaped framemember between the hook portions and the platform support portion; and abase frame member having a plurality of support members, one end of eachsupport member having a clamp portion to pivotably engage the platformsupport portion and the other end of each of the support members havinga hook to engage an axle of said cart.
 2. The tank support system ofclaim 1 including a skid plate.
 3. The tank support system of claim 1wherein a tank strap is provided.